TAGS

World Cup 2018 Preview - Croatia

Croatia fans will be hoping to celebrate just like these fans did at Euro 2016, when they take to the field in Russia.
Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)

Team: Croatia

Manager: Zlatko Dalic

Group: Group D

Other teams in-group: Argentina, Iceland, Nigeria.

THE SQUAD

As always Croatia are taking a talented squad to the 2018 World Cup.

The majority of the 23-man panel is made up by players playing in the top leagues of European football.

Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric are sure to be important when it comes to the creative side of Croatia’s play this summer. The Madrid duo are fresh off their recent Champions League final win over teammate Dejan Lovren and Liverpool, meaning they should arrive in Russia full of confidence.

Ivan Rakitic is likely to partner Modric in midfield and after a great La Liga winning season with Barcelona he will also be one to watch this summer.

For goals, Croatia are spoiled for choice up top. They could go with Juventus star Mario Mandzukic who started the majority of games in World Cup qualifying.

However, Dalic could also start AC Milan’s Nikola Kalinic who started both legs of their play-off win over Greece.

Croatia finished second in Group I, two points behind winners Iceland. Following that, they were drawn against Greece in a play-off. The Croats beat the Greeks 4-1 in Zagreb before holding on for a 0-0 draw in Piraeus to qualify for Russia.

Subscribe Newsletter

Socialize

About Extratime.ie

Extratime.ie is the leading provider of information on the League of Ireland. Established in 2008 and run as a volunteer driven portal, the enterprise has gained recognition domestically and internationally as a provider of accurate,innovative and timely news and statistics on the Irish domestic league and associated events such as international fixtures.